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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #65226
Title: REGIONAL SHORT SEASON VARIETY TEST (1995)

Author
item Cook, Charles
item NAMKEN, L - TAMU EXP. STA. - WESLACO

Submitted to: Texas Agricultural Extension Service Regional Report
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: In 1995, a field study was conducted to compare and determine the yield potential of 27 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars and experimental breeding lines at Weslaco, Texas. Measurements taken were first and total lint yield, earliness, and fiber quality. Due to adverse growing conditions, yields were below normal for the 1995 crop; however, several new advanced experimental lines appeared to better tolerate the severe drought and insect pressure that was encountered. Five of the 27 lines produced greater than two-thirds of a bale of lint, and four of these vice lines were early for crop maturity. Because of the differences in growing conditions from year to year and between locations, varietal selections should be based on multiple site and multiple year comparisons.

Technical Abstract: Variety development and selection are important components, both to the cotton seed industry and to growers. In 1995, a field study was conducted at Weslaco, TX, to evaluate 27 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars and new, experimental breeding lines for lint yield, earliness, and fiber quality. Stoneville 132, an early maturing cultivar, was used as the commercial check. The highest yielding lines at the first harvest were two breeding lines that were developed by the Texas A&M University (MAR) and USDA-ARS, Weslaco, Texas, breeding programs. Because of the severe drought and insect infestations, only five of the 27 entries produced over two-thirds of a bale of lint. Of these five top yielding lines, only one was not considered early maturing. Fiber quality was generally acceptable; however, five lines had micronaire values below the market minimum. Fiber lengths and strength differed among the tested entries, with some lines possessing premium fiber traits. Several lines appeared to better tolerate the adverse growing conditions of 1995. Multiple site and multiple year testing should be considered before making varietal selection decisions.